Project Name: Action For Religious Community (ARC) Project Duration: 2017 – 2024 Project Location: Kalutara District, Sri Lanka (Divisional Secretariat Divisions: Beruwala)

Project Description: In an inspiring example of community-led peacebuilding, a project was launched in partnership with the National Peace Council to strengthen religious harmony in the Kalutara District, with a central focus on the Beruwala Divisional Secretariat. This initiative brought together diverse stakeholders—from religious leaders to youth—to promote peaceful coexistence and address potential sources of conflict at the grassroots level. Building Local Structures for Peace One of the project's core achievements was the formation of the Beruwala Regional Inter-Religious Committee. Comprising around 40 individuals—including religious leaders, community police officers, Grama Niladharis, Divisional Secretariat staff, and civil society representatives—the committee served as a platform for dialogue, trust-building, and collective action. To strengthen their capacity, committee members underwent a comprehensive series of training workshops covering: • Preventing Violent Extremism • Rule of Law • Conflict Resolution and Management • Pluralism • Combating Hate Speech • Nonviolent Communication These trainings equipped participants with critical skills to identify and address conflict triggers, encourage inclusive decision-making, and promote tolerance. Engaging the Community in Peacebuilding The project also emphasized community involvement through a range of grassroots activities designed to cultivate interfaith understanding and mutual respect. These included: • Peace Walks uniting people across faiths • Experience Sharing Sessions to build empathy • Community Cleanups at religious sites promoting shared stewardship • Interfaith Dialogues encouraging open and honest discussions • Dhamma School Exchange Programs enhancing youth engagement • Awareness programs for community groups • Targeted Conflict Mitigation Initiatives These initiatives not only addressed immediate concerns but also laid the groundwork for lasting relationships among different religious and ethnic communities. Youth at the Heart of Peace Efforts Recognizing the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future, the project established the Beruwala Regional Youth Interfaith Committee in 2022. This group, consisting of around 40 youth from various faiths and ethnic backgrounds, became a dynamic force for interreligious understanding and collaboration. A Lasting Impact Through this inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach, the project successfully nurtured a vibrant network of peace advocates in the Kalutara District. By empowering both established leaders and emerging youth voices, the initiative has fostered a stronger spirit of cooperation and a deeper appreciation for cultural and religious diversity. As a result, Beruwala now stands as a beacon of community resilience and interfaith unity—a model for how local efforts, when supported and guided thoughtfully, can pave the way for sustainable peace.